The defensive attitude of the NYC Sharks will be well and truly tested this weekend when they take on a Roosters team which has already racked up over 200 points so far this season and boasts the Holden Cup’s second-best attacking record.
The Sharks were efficient enough with the ball in hand in their loss to the Sea Eagles, however the concerning issue for coach David Howlett would have been the fact that 32 points wasn’t enough to record a victory on the day.
Manly scored 36 in inflicting a third loss on the Sharks, making it the fifth consecutive week the Cronulla side have conceded 30 or more, with the Roosters ready to capitalise on any defensive deficiencies this weekend.
The Roosters were a bit scrappy in the defensive department themselves at their last start, giving up a 30-4 lead to the Eels before storming home to win 46-34, with all indicators pointing to an exciting attacking contest at Remondis Stadium on Saturday.
Despite their last start loss the Sharks named an unchanged team to tackle the Roosters, with Howlett showing faith in the team that went down to the Sea Eagles.
While the usual suspects in Valentine Holmes, the NYC competitions leading point-scorer, and captain Fa’amanu Brown, who crossed for two tries against the Eagles, played leading roles again last week, the Sharks also got good contributions from the likes of Zane Walford, Jaden Clarke and Taylar Garrett, with similar performances needed should they hope top get the better of the Roosters this Saturday.
The Sharks currently sit in eighth position on the NYC ladder on six points after three wins and three losses, with the Roosters two points ahead of the Cronulla side in a tie for fourth.
The NYC match will be the second of three games to be played at Remondis Stadium on Saturday and is scheduled to kick off at 5.15pm.
Gates open at 3.00pm, with the NSW Cup match between the Sharks and the Newtown Jets at 3.15pm, with the NRL clash set down to begin at 7.30pm.
